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Career Day sets middle schoolers’ sights on tomorrow
May 22, 2019
And they’re off: 900+ job-ready examples of Penn College Pride!
May 19, 2019
Faculty-led volunteers prevail at food bank’s ‘Chopped’ debut
May 17, 2019

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Dental Hygiene Emergency Medical Services/Paramedic Industrial, Computing & Engineering Technologies Nursing Nursing & Health Sciences Plastics & Polymer

Instructional space yields informative tour for state legislators

The college's newest (and most lifelike) medical mannequin is introduced by Christopher T. Boyer (left), director of paramedic technology programs, and Sandra L. Richmond (right), dean of nursing and health sciences. Getting a closer look are (from right) Sens. Yaw, Phillips-Hill and Ward – a registered nurse. — The college’s newest (and most lifelike) medical mannequin is introduced by Christopher T. Boyer (left), director of paramedic technology programs, and Sandra L. Richmond (right), dean of nursing and health sciences. Getting a closer look are (from right) Sens. Yaw, Phillips-Hill and Ward – a registered nurse.

Bradley M. Webb, assistant dean of industrial, computing and engineering technologies, explained the processes taught in three of the college's plastics labs: thermoforming, blow-molding and rotational molding. First stop? Thermoforming, where Webb shows how clamshell packaging is produced. — Bradley M. Webb, assistant dean of industrial, computing and engineering technologies, explained the processes taught in three of the college’s plastics labs: thermoforming, blow-molding and rotational molding. First stop? Thermoforming, where Webb shows how clamshell packaging is produced.

A pair of first-term state senators visited Penn College on Thursday, stopping by several academic areas in the School of Nursing & Health Sciences and the School of Industrial, Engineering & Computing Technologies. The tour, abbreviated by a stormy forecast (but no less valuable), took Sens. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York) and Judy Ward (R-Altoona) to nursing, dental hygiene and three labs in the college’s ABET-accredited plastics program. Also on the tour were President Davie Jane Gilmour; state Sen. Gene Yaw, chairman of the college’s board of directors; Michael J. Reed, vice president for academic operations/associate provost; Patrick Marty, chief of staff and assistant to the president for college relations; Zack Moore, vice president for government and community relations at Penn State; Jon Hopcraft, chief of staff to Phillips-Hill; and Senate photographer Christopher J. Guerrisi.

Events General Information

Students at Yaw-hosted seminar keep it real in simulated debate

Students and faculty from all 13 attending schools had the opportunity to pose with Yaw in the Field House and commemorate the day.

Introduced by college President Davie Jane Gilmour (right), the senator outlines the day's agenda, reminding students that "compromise is a very important thing in any successful legislative work." — Introduced by college President Davie Jane Gilmour (right), the senator outlines the day’s agenda, reminding students that “compromise is a very important thing in any successful legislative work.”

Crompton, not above good-naturedly needling his audience into thoughtful participation, also takes time for one-on-one engagement – this time on the pros and cons of lobbyists.

Addressing the prickly issue of whether legislators should follow their conscience or their constituents, students take sides on raising the gas tax to pay for infrastructure improvements.

Yaw listens as opponents of legalizing marijuana refine their position during a breakout discussion in the Breuder Advanced Technology & Health Sciences Center. Guiding them through the process are some of the seminar's many knowledgeable facilitators (counterclockwise from bottom right): state Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York); Fred R. Strathmeyer Jr., the state Department of Agriculture's deputy secretary for plant industry and consumer protection; and Fred Sembach, chief of staff to state Sen. Mike Folmer (R-Lebanon). — Yaw listens as opponents of legalizing marijuana refine their position during a breakout discussion in the Breuder Advanced Technology & Health Sciences Center. Guiding them through the process are some of the seminar’s many knowledgeable facilitators (counterclockwise from bottom right): state Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York); Fred R. Strathmeyer Jr., the state Department of Agriculture’s deputy secretary for plant industry and consumer protection; and Fred Sembach, chief of staff to state Sen. Mike Folmer (R-Lebanon).

More than 200 students from 13 school districts in Bradford, Lycoming and Union counties gathered at Penn College on Thursday for the annual Student Government Seminar hosted by state Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23). “This seminar is a great opportunity for high school students to interact with their local, state and federal officials,” said the senator, who also serves as chair of the college’s board of directors. “It allows students to develop legislation, debate important issues with key policymakers, offer their personal input and vote on “mock” bills in an open session. The intent is for students to obtain a better understanding of the legislative process and develop professional relationships that can open the door for future internships and job opportunities.” The commonwealth’s largest Senate-organized student government event, the seminar incorporates student delegates and their teachers; local, state and federal officials; lobbyists and special interests; and the news media. After a dynamic presentation by Drew Compton, counsel/chief of staff to state Senate President Pro Tempore Joseph Scarnati, on the “push and pull” of enacting legislation, the students broke into committee sessions to debate such hot-button issues as legalization of recreational marijuana. Student participants represented Athens Area High School, Canton Area High School, Jersey Shore Area High School, Lewisburg Area High School, Loyalsock Township High School, Mifflinburg Area High School, Montoursville Area High School, North Rome Christian High School, Northeast Bradford High School, South Williamsport Senior High, St. John Neumann Regional Academy, Troy Area High School and Williamsport Area High School.

Art and Graphic Design Automated Manufacturing & Machining Automotive Building Construction Business & Hospitality Civil Engineering & Surveying College Transitions Communication & Literature Construction & Design Technologies Digital Media & Marketing Emergency Management Events Faculty & Staff Ford Industrial, Computing & Engineering Technologies Landscape/Horticulture Nursing Nursing & Health Sciences Sciences, Humanities & Visual Communications Students Transportation & Natural Resources Technologies

Career Day sets middle schoolers’ sights on tomorrow

College employees rallied to provide nearly 40 educational sessions for middle schoolers from across the region who visited campus on Monday for the college’s twice-a-year Career Day. Facilitated by the college’s College Transitions Office, the event provided 1,267 students with opportunities to explore a wide variety of careers in each of the college’s six academic schools. Visitors included 13 schools and home-schooled students.

Aviation General Information Transportation & Natural Resources Technologies

Standby helicopter housed in college hangar during president’s visit

Bearing the presidential seal and emblazoned with the Stars and Stripes ... — Bearing the presidential seal and emblazoned with the Stars and Stripes …

... the twin-engine, four-blade aircraft takes up temporary residence in the college hangar. — … the twin-engine, four-blade aircraft takes up temporary residence in the college hangar.

A Sikorsky VH-60N White Hawk helicopter, part of Marine Helicopter Squadron One, was on standby for President Trump’s visit to Montoursville on Monday night, housed temporarily in the hangar at Penn College’s Lumley Aviation Center. Marine One, the call sign used whenever the commander in chief is aboard one of the fleet of helicopters, departed on Tuesday. Marine One accompanies the president on travels in the U.S. and abroad. The Marine One detachment officer-in-charge offered access and granted permission for the college to publish photos.

Faculty & Staff

Penn College welcomes new employee

PCToday continues its regular feature – welcoming new full-time and regular part-time Pennsylvania College of Technology employees, as reported by the Human Resources Office.

Civil Engineering & Surveying Collision Repair & Restoration Construction & Design Technologies Construction Management Corporate Relations Heavy Equipment Scholarships Students Transportation & Natural Resources Technologies

Allan Myers boosts annual scholarship commitment

Allan Myers Inc. will contribute an additional $50,000 annually to a scholarship it established previously at Pennsylvania College of Technology. Commemorating the scholarship addition are (from left) Loni N. Kline, vice president for institutional advancement at Penn College; Bob Capps, director of craft development for Allan Myers; and Elizabeth A. Biddle, director of corporate relations at the college.

Allan Myers Inc., a heavy civil construction and construction materials company operating throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, will contribute an additional $50,000 annually to a scholarship it established previously at Pennsylvania College of Technology.

Preference for the Allan Myers Scholarship is given to full-time Penn College students who are employees/family members of Allan Myers Inc.

Sports Wildcat Weekly

Penn College Athletics celebrates present, builds for future

In its fifth season as a member of the North Eastern Athletic Conference, and second as a full-fledged member of NCAA Division III, Pennsylvania College of Technology continued to show it belongs.

Alumni Business & Hospitality Construction & Design Technologies Events Faculty & Staff Industrial, Computing & Engineering Technologies Nursing & Health Sciences President Sciences, Humanities & Visual Communications Sports Students Transportation & Natural Resources Technologies

And they’re off: 900+ job-ready examples of Penn College Pride!

Pennsylvania College of Technology held the Triple Crown of commencement ceremonies May 17-18 for more than 900 students who petitioned to graduate following the Spring 2019 semester. The Friday afternoon proceedings at the Community Arts Center honored students from the School of Industrial, Computing & Engineering Technologies and the School of Sciences, Humanities & Visual Communications. Saturday morning featured The School of Construction & Design Technologies and the School of Health Sciences, while students from the School of Business & Hospitality and the School of Transportation & Natural Resources Technologies graduated during the afternoon session. Student speakers were Hannah G. Maize, of Riverside, who received a bachelor’s degree in plastics and polymer engineering technology on Friday; Lauren S. Herr, of Lititz, awarded a bachelor’s in construction management at Saturday morning’s session; and David A. Gadalla, of Mechanicsburg, who received a bachelor’s degree in aviation maintenance technology in the weekend’s final ceremony. The college also bestowed three teaching honors – the Veronica M. Muzic Master Teacher Award and two Excellence in Teaching Awards – as well as three alumni awards.

Alumni Baking, Pastry & Culinary Arts Business & Hospitality Engineering Design Technology Individualized Programs of Study Industrial, Computing & Engineering Technologies Sciences, Humanities & Visual Communications

Three alumni honored at Penn College commencements

Pennsylvania College of Technology presented honors to three alumni during Spring 2019 commencement ceremonies, held May 17-18 at the Community Arts Center, Williamsport.

John Estep, of Troy; Darryl Kehrer, of Fredericksburg, Virginia; and Kristina Wisneski, of Ardmore, were recognized for their exemplary achievements.

Alumni Civil Engineering & Surveying Construction & Design Technologies Faculty & Staff Industrial, Computing & Engineering Technologies Natural Science Sciences, Humanities & Visual Communications Welding

Penn College bestows Distinguished Teaching Awards

Three Pennsylvania College of Technology faculty members were honored at Spring 2019 Commencement ceremonies for their prowess as teachers.

Ryan P. Good, assistant professor of welding, was presented with the highest honor accorded to Penn College faculty: the Veronica M. Muzic Master Teacher Award.

Two faculty members received recognition for their outstanding teaching skills by earning Excellence in Teaching Awards: Drew R. Potts, assistant professor and department head of civil engineering technology, and David S. Richards, professor of physics.

Students

Penn College’s Spring 2019 graduates honored

Pennsylvania College of Technology has presented student achievement awards to its Spring 2019 graduates.

More than 950 students petitioned to graduate at the conclusion of the spring semester, and three commencement ceremonies were held May 17-18 at the Community Arts Center. Penn College is a special mission affiliate of The Pennsylvania State University.

Baking, Pastry & Culinary Arts Business & Hospitality Business & Hospitality Management Faculty & Staff

Faculty-led volunteers prevail at food bank’s ‘Chopped’ debut

A team led by Chef Michael J. Ditchfield, Penn College instructor of hospitality management/culinary arts, was named the winner of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank’s inaugural cooking competition, Chopped.

On Ditchfield’s team were volunteers from three of the Food Bank’s partner agencies: Ron Taylor, a trained chef and a volunteer and member of Diamond Street Christian Church; Karla Sexton, business development/client development officer for River Valley Health and Dental; and Narcisa Ebner, a client of Hope Enterprises’ as well as Food Bank board member Frank Pellegrino. Ditchfield’s “Blue Team” faced off against the “Red Team,” led by Chef Peter Daugherty of The James Restaurant and featuring a similar group of community members.

Events Faculty & Staff Students

Eighteen seniors’ involvement culminates in Penn College Awards

The award-winners reconvene at night's end for group photos.

A year-end banquet honored 18 students with Penn College Awards, recognizing 2019 graduates who have made outstanding contributions to Pennsylvania College of Technology and who have risen above their peers through that leadership.

Anthony J. Pace, director of student activities, presided over Thursday evening’s event in the Thompson Professional Development Center. Recipients were presented with a plaque and a Penn College lapel pin, and their names will be permanently displayed on a wall outside the Student Activities Office.

Building on the words of Thomas Jefferson (“I am a great believer in luck … and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it”), President Davie Jane Gilmour welcomed the honorees’ families and friends by admitting she felt like the most fortunate person in the room.

“These students have accomplished so much for their colleagues, their teams, their friends and – most importantly – for themselves,” she said, an apt segue to the testimonials that would follow. “We are forever better for what they’ve done for us, with us and alongside us.”

Architectural Technology Construction & Design Technologies Students

Seniors build up hopes of ‘sustainable’ custom

Everett B. Appleby, the student who spearheaded the inaugural exhibition, stands ready with a virtual reality headset so guests can step inside his design environment. Appleby hails from Wilkes-Barre, but is headed to Seattle to work for the Hyatt hotel chain.

Elliot R. Brau, of Coatesville, stands with his impressive project model and its surrounding accessories in the base model near the title wall.

Naim N. Jabbour, assistant dean of construction and design technologies, delivers a short gallery talk that’s long on praise for his students.

Students’ portfolios are offered for exploration on two curved tables along a gallery wall.

Jabbour takes a photo for Cayla L. Erisman (center), of Johnstown, and friends. Erisman earned her associate degree in architectural technology in 2018, is graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in building science and sustainable design: architectural technology concentration, and is headed to Penn State to pursue a master’s of architecture.

An institutional emphasis on green building was channeled by architectural majors into Penn College’s first gallery exhibit of students’ sustainable designs, which officially opened with a reception Thursday afternoon. “Sustainable Design 2019,” showcased on the third floor of Madigan Library, challenged students to design and develop a substantial project in an urban setting. Eighteen seniors in the college’s building science and sustainable design programs rose to the task, drawing upon four years of immersive education to present capstones that skillfully encompass their processes, renderings and 3D models. The show, which runs through May 23, follows summer hours in The Gallery at Penn College: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays; 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays; and 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays. (The gallery is closed Saturdays and Mondays.)

Events Faculty & Staff Workforce Development

Summit takes renewed look at apprenticeships’ workforce edge

More than 100 industry officials, thought leaders and partners – representing 69 employers – attended Thursday’s second annual Apprenticeship Summit to discuss how best to close skills gaps, retain workers and attract new employees. The keynote speaker was Eric M. Seleznow, senior adviser with Jobs for the Future, a nonprofit that collaborates with national authorities on education, workforce development, business, technology, government and philanthropy. Other presenters at the summit, themed around “Best Practices in Apprenticeship,” included Joe Miller, senior human resources professional with First Quality Enterprises; Angela Hummel, talent development leader at Angela Hummel Consulting; and Eric M. Ramsay, director of the apprenticeship and training office for the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. Among the Penn College representatives on the agenda were President Davie Jane Gilmour; Shannon M. Munro, vice president for workforce development; and Christopher P. Ray, Workforce Development’s executive director for business development. The day also featured workshops, networking opportunities, a showing of two recent college videos on apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, and lunch in CC Commons.

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